Ray-Anne Carr

2 weeks in the Ionian should give me the boost I need to finish the thriller revision, and gear up for the next couple of books which will take me over the summer.

What is the soundtrack to your writing?

What CDs/ downloads do you play when developing your story?

Romantic Angst -

Toe tapping humour?

Perhaps this is the big action scene/ battle?

Then of course, there are the re-writes and the editing.

or depending on your mood - and what draft you are working on..

Many romance authors create a soundtrack compilation to accompany the story - and have this available to share with their fans/readers. Song lyrics are selected to match the tone of that part of the work.

I’m not sure I would go that far, but yes, I do like to create playlists of about 40 mins to allow for a break away from the screen, and have a variety of personal and writing playlists, plus my CD collection.

Music. An essential part of my writing tool bag.

 Jurgen Wolff * had an excellent blog and several websites for creative people and his daily blog is always interesting. Through Jurgen I have come to know of the TED Lecture series where leading experts in all fields of modern life are invited to give short presentations.

It is an awesome reference on the mind processes of some of the most inspiring people in the western world today.

 This morning I listened to J J Abrams talking on the Mystery Box.

J.J. Abrams traced his love of the unseen mystery — the heart of Alias, Lost, and the upcoming Cloverfield — back to its own magical beginnings, which may or may not include an early obsession with magic, the love of a supportive grandfather, or his own

http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/205. 

Go here to watch on YouTube:  J J Abrams

In another genre, Amy Tan spoke at this year’s TED Conference. 

‘Novelist Amy Tan digs deep into the creative process, journeying through her childhood and family history and into the worlds of physics and chance, looking for hints of where her own creativity comes from. It’s a wild ride with a surprise ending.’

Brilliant. Fascinating to learn about the completely different mindset of another writer.

Go here to listen to it - http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/250

 * http://www.timetowrite.blogs.com/

This is the DILEMMA

I am about to start a two week holiday in the Greek Islands.

Question: Do I take a complete break from this writing business? Do I go on strike, and refuse to give in to the separation anxiety, angst and general lack of functionality associated with not telling lies on paper on a daily basis.

IN other words. Do I actually take a holiday from writing anything other than postcards?

OR? Do I accept the inevitable and stash enough paper and pens in my hand luggage [ just in case the suitcase goes missing in two airports, you understand] since this greek village has a ’mini-market’ where the supply of children’s school exercise books and pencils can be very limited. I may, gulp, RUN OUT..

CRISIS.

And what if I am obliged to read fiction written by other authors who, another gulp, are ten times better than I am at holding the reader spellbound on her poolside lounger? Forcing me to face the fact that I am doomed as a thriller writer and my old day job is a much better idea.

DECISION AND ACTION.

Two new A4 pads- squared paper of course, and six ballpoints.  No laptops. No palm held.

RESOLUTION.

I feel a lot better now. Thank you for your concern. Nothing else to see here, go about your business folks. All well. Move along.